Study on Causes and Consequences of Women Imprisonment in Jamaica

The Clinic, together with the Avon Global Center for Women and Justice at Cornell Law School, the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice of the New York City Bar Association, Evolve International Jamaica, and LEX Caribbean (the researchers) have undertaken a study of the causes of women's imprisonment in Jamaica, the characteristics of women prisoners, and the impact of imprisonment on women and their families. The study's goal is to identify best practices and make recommendations for improvement in light of the newly enacted United Nations Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Female Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules).

The researchers will produce a final report that will summarize the results of the study, highlight best practices, and make recommendations for improvements. Following the report's publication, the researchers plan to collaborate with Jamaican civil society and justice system actors in addressing the gaps and challenges identified in the report, including by hosting training seminars for relevant stakeholders.